Mr. Phillips was born on February 22, 1923 in the community of Oval, NC near West Jefferson, NC to Robert Glen Phillips, Sr. and Mary Brown Phillips. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and was baptized in the New River at age 12. He graduated from Fleetwood High School in 1940, and completed an apprenticeship in boatbuilding at the Norfolk Navy Yard in 1944. Then he served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946.

He met his love Kancy while at Camp Gordon Johnston in Florida, married her in 1944, and they enjoyed 70 years together. He graduated from United Television Laboratories as a television engineer in Louisville Kentucky in 1950. After moving to Troutman, Mr. Phillips began working for Blanton and Moore in Barium Springs, retiring as the general manager in 1988. He also repaired televisions and radios part time. He was accomplished at furniture building and woodworking, making many pieces for his wife and others.

He was an active and dedicated member of Bethel Baptist Church in Statesville for over 50 years and served as a deacon. Mr. Phillips is remembered as a kind, gentle man, a good father, neighbor and friend, and is loved by many.

A funeral is scheduled for August 4 at Bethel Baptist Church, with visitation at 10 a.m., followed by a service in the church at 11 a.m., and burial service at Iredell Memorial Gardens afterwards. Reverend David Turner will officiate the services. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Phillips’ life.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale in Wilmington for their care during his 2 years there, and also Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their care during his last days.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Phillips. Condolences may be sent to the family online at http://www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com

REMEMBERING

Thomas William Phillips

Donna Turner

August 3, 2018

Dear Deborah, and Melonia, and other family members.

My husband David and I and also our grown children all loved your dad and mom. We have many fond memories of your parents while David was the Pastor at Bethel Baptist Church. William was always friendly and kind. He did many repairs for us while we were living in the church parsonage. He was soft spoken and gentle. May God bless you all and give you strength now and in the days and weeks ahead. love in Christ, David, and Donna, Dean and Dana Turner Matthews, North Carolina

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